Issuu

JAN. 2022

Volume LXXII No. 1

Epiphany Party

Continuation of Annual Meeting Sunday January 16th at 9:15am in the Sanctuary This meeting will be to review and approve the 2022 Budget proposal and to elect call committee members. If there is inclement weather the Snow date is January 23rd at 9:15am.

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Thank you to everyone who sent cards, dropped of goodies, or expressed their gratitude to the staff during the holidays. We appreciate your kindness and care. - The FLC Staff

Noisy Offering Totals Thank you to all who donated to the noisy offering in November. $1,078.00 was collected for the Salvation Army.

We have a few council positions open. If you are interested in being appointed to one of our open council positions, please notify the Church office at 507-373-6424 or a current council member.

The FLC Nominating Committee presents candidates for the upcoming call committee. The candidates are: Nicole Morrison, Jennifer Levisen, Dan Liebsch, Lilah Aas, Tom Larson, Bob Ackland, Roger Oberg, Ken Damerow, and Tom Hovde. The candidates will be selected by vote at the continuation of the Annual Meeting on January 16th at 9:15 a.m.

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A few words from Pastor Roger Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus! When I was a child, I remember how adults would talk about how fast the years go by. At the time it did not make sense to me. When we are children, it feels like time takes forever to pass. We dream of days that we will be older and in charge of our own lives. We look forward to milestones like getting confirmed or being able to drive. It can feel like it will take an eternity to get to those moments. A few days ago, my family and I were looking through some pictures. We came across one of my favorites, which I have included here on this page. It took me a second to do the math and realize that it was taken 10 years ago. My little girl is not so little anymore. In that moment, I began to understand why people say the years fly by. As we enter into a new year, a verse from 2nd Corinthians came to mind: “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” Every time I read that verse it reminds me that it applies wherever I find myself in life. There is no age or location or any other thing that can separate us from this truth. Through faith in Jesus, we are not what we once were-we are made new. Thanks be to God for that! We return to our baptismal promises over and over again. Day after day we are reminded that we have been secured through the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

Good people of God, you are the body of Christ. You are heirs of God’s kingdom. The new year may bring celebration and joy. It may bring challenges and grief. It may pass in the blink of an eye, or it seem to drag on. Whatever it is that we encounter, take heart. God will see through the good work that God has begun in you. Blessings, Pastor Roger Fears

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REPORT FROM HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET QUILTERS On October 9, 2021, the quilters gave 114 quilts to the Lutheran World Relief Van. During the time since the last Lutheran World Relief Drive we have also given the Salvation Army three blankets. We want to thank all of the quilters for their faithful dedication to this project. We also want to thank everyone who made donations. We can use donations of fabric, drapes, quilt fill and bedding such as pillow cases, blankets and mattress pads. We cannot use down quilts or rubber-backed fabric or fleece. Monetary donations are welcome. We always welcome anyone interested in helping. We meet Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. You do not have to know how to sew as there are other jobs to be done such as tying, ripping, pressing and cutting blocks. If you have any questions, please call Audrey Christensen 373-2770 or Bonnie Trampel 373-1665. Thank you.

From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team

A New Year...

Our new year is begun and we frequently resolve to make healthier choices in our lives. We all know that choosing healthier foods and losing excess weight will make us feel better. But good health is more than eating right. It is important to think about improving one’s mental and spiritual health. Our mental health is improved by focusing on others (rather than only on ourselves) and grows our spiritual life as we demonstrate our faith in action. As members of the First Lutheran Church family (FLC), we are blessed to have many opportunities to show our love and concern for others inside and outside of our church walls. If you would like to take on new opportunities in 2023, contact the Church office and they can direct you further. Parish Health and Wellness is looking for Families and Individuals that are interested in making a difference in the lives of our homebound congregation members! This involves visiting a member(s) of our congregation on a monthly basis at your convenience. The goal is to simply visit with them, take prayer requests, show them they are cared about and, most importantly, build a relationship that can make a difference in your life and the person you are visiting. If you are interested in visiting, please contact Kara at 507-373-6424 or email at kara@flcal.org

Friends at First Tuesday January 18 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Please sign up in the office & prepay by Monday January 17

Menu: Chicken Dumpling Soup, Chicken Salad Crossiant, & Pistachio Salad

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing - January 2021 Chair: Bonnie Anderson Marge LaFrance Workers: Denise Elseth Deloris Fligge Jane Friedman

Bev Grotsun Mary Ellen Johnson Edith Langsev Michele Nelson

507-402-4051 507-383-5753 Cakes: Rebecca Anderson Jillian Barnick Amy Casterton Carol Farris Heidi Fjermestad Cindy Gandrud

Susan Gregerson Candy Herman Robin Kelly Denise Knutson Jennifer Levisen Sue Runden

January Program Wednesday, January 12, 2021

February Program Saturday, February 12, 2021

1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall

10 a.m. in Bethany Hall

Program: Resources of the Salvation Army

Program: Valentine Card Making Workshop with Crystal Lennie

Altar Guild is looking for congregation members to join us. Do you wonder who puts out the flowers for holidays, adds water to the font for baptisms, or prepares for communion? Come experience this fulfilling and rewarding service to the church. Please contact the church office for more information on how to join.

HAVE YOU INCLUDED FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IN YOUR WILL? Over the years, those First Lutheran Church members who have conscientiously included First Lutheran Church in their estate planning have enabled some very important and powerful ministry to happen. Please consider including First Lutheran Church in your estate planning. You can enable this congregation to serve many more people in the years and generations to come.

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for January– A New Year - A New Beginning We are about to start a brand new year full of hope, joy and opportunity. Jesus reminds us to seek him anew every day. As 2021 comes to a close, we have new opportunities to love one another, share our resources, and reach out to those in need. God shows his grace and mercy as he forgives the missteps of his beloved children who repent and ask. May your new year be filled with the joy and peace only our awesome God can provide. Blessings!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Jeremiah 29:11 2 Corinthians 5:17 John 1:1 Ezekiel 36: 26 Matthew 7:7 Lamentations 3: 22-23 1 Peter 1:3 Isaiah 40:31 John 3:16-17 2 Chronicles: 7:14 Revelation 21: 5

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Job 8: 7 Philippians 4: 6-7 Ecclesiastes 3: 11 Romans 6: 4 Isaiah 41: 10 Matthew 6: 25 Ezekial 11: 19 Proverbs 3: 5-6 Hebrews 4: 16 Isaiah 41: 13

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Colossians 3: 10 Psalm 90: 12 1 Peter 5: 10 Psalm 73: 25-26 Philippians 4: 13 Proverbs 16: 9 Romans 8: 31 Isaiah 65: 17 John 10: 10 Philippians 3: 13-14

FLC Prayer Ministry

Want prayer for yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential.

Prayer List

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Dick Doeden, Aurora Everding, Mark Hagen, Jim Hansen, Ann Hanson, George Jensen, Gary Laite, Khan Mut, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Vern Rasmussen, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, Mollie Tolic, and Julie.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Alan J. Christensen, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Thelma Foss, Grant Gordon, Dorothy Hanson, Greg Hatleli, Breckyn Heinemann, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Amy Ladlie, Officer Arik Matson, Marilyn Moe, Alexandra Peterson, Larry Peterson, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers. And our neighbors serving in the Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighting, rescue and emergency services and their families.

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

10 am-Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15 am-Snow Date for Annual Meeting

10 am-Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15 am-Snow Date for Annual Meeting

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

10 am-Worship Service w/Comm.-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15-Annual Meeting Continuation-S

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm.-S

1 pm-Worship Counters-P

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 6:30 pm-Church Council-P

10 am-Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 1 pm-History Team-L

Office & Building Closed

Mon

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

10 am-Worship Service w/Comm. -S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S

Sun

Wed

Thu

PR= Prayer Room

SL=South Lot

S=Sanctuary

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

Fri

L=Library CR=Choir Room

C= Chapel

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

SSR=Sunday School Room

P =Parlor

BH=Bethany Hall

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11:30 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 4:30 pm-5th Grade 1st Comm. Class 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 4:30 pm-5th Grade 1st Comm. Class 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11:30 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 4:30 pm-5th Grade 1st Comm. Class 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

8:30 am-FLCW Board-BH 10:30 am-Spirit of Giving-L 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 4 pm-Epiphany Party 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S

January

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30 am-Friends @ First-BH 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 12:30 pm-Spirit of Giving-P 1 pm-Worship Counters-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6 pm-WMA Team-BH

Tue

Sat

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- Snack prep/clean-up - Hall monitors - Arts & Crafts helpers (clean-up) - Substitute teachers You can sign up online at flcal.org Click on Fusion Volunteer Sign up or contact Jenny Edwin at 373-6424

Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas programs happen! Our youth did a fantastic job!

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of January is for the

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC.

Recent Change First Lutheran Church has a new Fee Schedule and Rental Policy for all non FLC related functions. If you plan to book an event in 2022 please contact the office to get an updated fee schedule and rental agreement. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Web site–www.flcal.org PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)

Nov. 2021

Giving $52,266.84

Expenses $31,820.43

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Year to date

Giving vs. Expenses $20,446.41

Giving vs. Expenses $-15,916.97

Periodicals postage paid at

Published by First Lutheran Church (Monthly) Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN Subscription price $1.00 per year (Postmaster send address correction to 301 W. Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007)

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts Christmas Poinsettias and World Hunger Memorials & Honors POINSETTIAS GIVEN IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Parents Harold & Dawn Runden given by Mary Runden Eugene & Frida Ostby given by Eldora and Jack Kelly Richard Bryson given by Mavis Bryson Vern Jahnke, Natasha Weigel & Howard Sorenson given by Audrey Sorenson Ted & Joanne Schrader given by Pat, Perry, Jim, Tiffany, Seth, Kollyns & Harper Our parents Lloyd & Marlys Lestrud and Floyd & Jose Schenk given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Wife Goldean Neff given by Bill Neff Keith Fligge and our parents given by Deloris Fligge and family Husband Clyde Wakefield, son Mitchell Wakefield, parents John & Margaret Osheim, brother Don Osheim and sister and brother-in-law Ralph & Carolyn Schoenrock given by Sharon Wakefield Our parents Walt & Ev Abraham and Mel & Alice Sletten and our precious daughter Wendy Lyn given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten and Greg Abraham

POINSETTIAS GIVEN BY: Norm & Joyce Fredin GIFTS TO THE WORLD HUNGER APPEAL IN MEMORY OF: Wife Goldean Neff given by Bill Neff Cousins LaVonne (Maiden) Briggs and David Maiden given by Jane Maiden Donald Smith, Our Parents, Brothers and their wives given by Arlis Smith GIFTS TO THE WORLD HUNGER APPEAL: Wayne & Jackie Sletten PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory of:

Jean Balough, Mike Johnson’s sister given by Helen Lovik Connie, Jeannie Boyer’s Sister given by Jim & Sue Larson Dorothy Boerner given by Selma Engebretson Joanne Hanson given by Selma Engebretson Duane Hatleli givenby Dwaine, Beth & Tyler Egge, Bradley Bjerke, Marcia Habben, Marvyl Dahl Doris Heskett given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Delores Inderlie given by Friends & Family Sharon Johnson given Friends & Family POINSETTIAS GIVEN IN HONOR OF: Alvin Kluender given by Helen Lovik & Our great grandchildren Emma, Luna, Leif, Karter Merriell Jahnke & Brooks given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Kathy Kunkel given by LaVonneEggers In thankfulness to God for the Gift of is Son giv- Isabel Lee given by Selma Engebretson en by the Wayne Sletten Family Evie Nelson given by Jim & Jane Loge Thank you, God, for our so loved church family Ahne Ordalen given by Mark & Terry and the shepherds and the staff that leads us given Stadheim by the Wayne Sletten Family. Phil Peters given by Family & Friends, In honor of our precious shut ins and the joy and Tom & Bonnie Dahl blessings they bring given by the Wayne Sletten Dennis Rayman given by Gail Rayman Family. Ruth Schilling given by Marilee Gustitus In thankfulness to God for our precious children, Ethel Underland given by Julie Erdman grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Mark, My Cousin Florence Wagner given by Arlis Smith Paul, Emma and Noah; Jill Marie & Steve, Paul, Samantha, Wes and Jack, Amelia, Sydne and Gifts Given By: Greta; Daniel & Jennifer, Jacob, Anders and Phyllis Ulland, Janice Jensen, Oakland WELCA, Macallan given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts Rex Colling, Bob& LaVonne Brinkman, Kevin Kenne, Judy & Conrad Schaefer, Ila Breck,Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Bear Lake Women of the Church, Bob & Judy Jacobsen, John & Nancy Sorlie, Judy & Paul Dilling & family, Rodney & Vanessa Ehni, Ruth Noren, Ruth & Richard Kaduce, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Valta & Elwood Hestness, Trondhjem Lutheran Church WELCO

HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET

In Memory of:

Jean Balough, Mike Johnson’s sister given by Bonnie Schneider, Audrey Christensen ROOF FUND

Gifts given by:

LaVaun Houge, Bethlyn & David Breamer

CRANBERRY HYMNALS

In Memory of:

STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND

Phil Peters given by Helen Lovik FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Marlene Behle given by Family & Friends Wayne Gunderson given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Jean Balough, Mike Johnson’s Sister given by Joe & Marge La France

In Honor of:

In Memory of:

Sharon Johnson given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Parents, Family Members and Loved Ones Given by Dick & Elaine Rooney, Larry & Janice Lestrud

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services

My family given by Helen Lovik

Gifts Given By: Donna M Hollrah, Bob & Darlene Levisen, TTT, Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Ken & Diane Damerow

Funerals Kathryn Kunkel, 11/29/2021 Ethel Underland, 12/8/2021

FUSION

In Memory of:

Chuck Jean given by Bob & Darlene Levisen Sharon Johnson given by James & Kathleen Hanson, Friends & Family GORDON AAS SCHOLARSHIP

Gifts given by: Lilah Aas

GENERAL FUND

In Memory of:

Fritz Moran given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen Phil Peters given by Danny & Sandra Peterson

FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS Office Monday — Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—12 noon [Other times by special arrangement] s

These hours allow the office staff to be in the office and have time to work on special projects and events with fewer distractions. If you need to come in outside of normal office hours please call for an appointment.

Building

Gifts Given By: Sara Cogar, Lois Chapek, Robert & Mary Lovejoy, Roger & Corinne Shirk, Ruth Noren,

Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00 PM If there are meetings scheduled

Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00 & 10:00 am - In-person Worship 10:00 am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM Wednesdays 6:30 pm - In-person Worship (also live streamed on our Facebook page) Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.

The mission of First Lutheran Church is: to gather, equip, and empower people to joyfully do Christ’s work. First Lutheran Church 301 W Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007

Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN 56007

Sunday Worship Broadcasts 10:00 a.m. - Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 10:00 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info.